NBA rumors: Pelicans after Jarrett Allen, Kawhi extension update, best RFA still available
By Ian Levy
The offseason is slowing down but the NBA rumors aren’t — Kawhi Leonard might not get his extension, the Pelicans want Jarrett Allen and more.
NBA rumors: Pelicans have explored a Jarrett Allen trade
According to a recent mailbag conversation between John Hollinger and Will Guillory of The Athletic, the Pelicans have looked into trades for both Jarrett Allen and Isaiah Stewart. The report clarifies that the conversations haven’t gone anywhere yet but the Allen trade has interesting potential for both teams.
The Cavs have reportedly explored Allen trades this offseason, looking for wing and backcourt upgrades and trusting that their Twin Towers approach could be transformed into a similarly effective defensive unit with Evan Mobley as the lone interior defensive anchor.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson are almost certainly not going to be included in any hypothetical deal but 23-year-old forward Trey Murphy would be a very interesting piece with his versatility, elite shooting and defensive upside and versatility. A deal of Valanciunas and Murphy works on paper would be an offer the Cavs at least have to think about. However, the Pelicans may not be willing to include Murphy. Another option would be a three-way deal that routes Valanciunas to the Mavericks and send Herbert Jones and Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Cavs with Allen and Isaac Okoro to the Pelicans. Although Jones isn’t eligible to be traded until Jan. 15 which complicates things.
Regardless, this is another interesting wrinkle in offseasons for both the Cavs and Pelicans.